February 1, 2012
Baltimore, MD - ABET, the world leader in higher education accreditation for degree programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology, announced today that Charles W. Hickman has been named Managing Director for Communications and Society Relations, effective immediately. In his position, Hickman will lead ABET's communications and marketing strategy, as well as the implementation of ABET publications, electronic media, media relations, and targeted messaging to key academic, technical, industry, and external constituents.
Hickman joined the ABET staff in July 2011 as Senior Director of Society Relations and will continue to be the primary point of contact for ABET's society representatives, managing the relationship between ABET and its 31 member societies.
"ABET is fortunate to have someone as talented as Charles Hickman on our staff," said Dr. Michael Milligan, ABET Executive Director. "I look forward to his leadership in developing a more comprehensive and effective communications function within ABET. His experience in higher education, accreditation, and professional society relations makes him an ideal fit for this critical position."
For many years, Hickman served in senior staff roles at the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (the accrediting agency and service organization for university-based business schools around the world) and the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education. Prior to joining ABET, he provided staff support to accreditation and university relations functions at IEEE, an ABET Member Society and the world's largest professional association for the advancement of technology. Hickman earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Iowa.
About ABET
ABET, the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology, is a federation of 31 professional and technical societies representing these fields. Among the most respected accreditation organizations in the U.S., ABET has provided leadership and quality assurance in higher education for more than 75 years.
ABET currently accredits over 3,000 programs at more than 600 colleges and universities worldwide. More than 2,000 dedicated volunteers participate annually in ABET activities. ABET also provides leadership internationally through workshops, memoranda of understanding, and mutual recognition agreements, such as the Washington Accord. ABET is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.